Danielle, Taylor Morris to receive Robert D. Ray Character Award

CEDAR FALLS — The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University has named Cedar Falls residents Danielle and Taylor Morris as the 2019 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award recipients.

Danielle and Taylor will accept the award on April 12 at The Ray Center’s All-Star Evening in West Des Moines. An All-Star Evening is presented by Hy-Vee and benefits The Ray Center’s programs, including Character Counts.

Taylor Morris is a combat wounded veteran, who sustained profound injuries while serving in Afghanistan in 2012. Working as an explosive ordnance disposal technician, an IED detonated as he was clearing up to a building to provide cover for his team from enemy fire resulting in the loss of parts of all four limbs. Taylor then spent two years of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center where he relentlessly pursued his recovery, learning to use prosthetic arms and legs to achieve full independence.

In a story filled with so much sacrifice, courage and compassion, it would be remiss to exclude part of what caught the world’s attention: the love story shared between Taylor and his high school sweetheart, Danielle. Upon hearing of his injuries, Danielle immediately left everything behind of her life in Iowa and moved to Maryland to be by Taylor’s side through his long and arduous recovery.

After overcoming insurmountable odds and a lifetime’s worth of challenges, Taylor and Danielle married in October of 2015 surrounded by their friends and family.

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“Taylor and Danielle’s story is one of resilience and triumph,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “It is a reminder that with determination and perseverance we can not only overcome the most difficult obstacles, but use them to inspire and improve the lives of those around us. Taylor and Danielle are an example for us all, and I can’t think of two people more deserving of this award.”

This award is The Ray Center’s highest honor and is presented each spring to an individual who demonstrates good character as a role model and reflects former Gov. Robert D. Ray’s lifelong commitment to civility and character development. Past recipients include Norman Borlaug, Hayden Fry, Dan Gable, Fred Hoiberg, Shawn Johnson, Ashton Kutcher, and Dr. Peggy Whitson.

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Taylor Morris is interviewed Monday, May 12, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good now after Taylor was officially discharged from Walter Reed two years after his injuries in Afghanistan

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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(Left To Right) Taylor Morris, Ben Prostine, Claire Morris and Riley Morris sit under a tree the the area which is proposed to house the future roller park between Peet Junior High School and Hwy. 57 in Cedar Falls. (RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer)

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CF's Taylor Morris get his arms around Columbus's Jarek Newton during the teams dual meet match up at Columbus High School Fri. Nov 30, 2006 in Waterloo, Iowa (Scott Mussell/Waterloo Courier/ Lee NS)

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Taylor Morris is seen with long time partner Danielle Kelly while guest speaker Dan Gable, right, speaks during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser in honor of Morris, at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris and friends "drifting".(COURTESY PHOTO)

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Volunteer Tim Dodd displays a painting up for auction during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser for Dodd's long time friend Taylor Morris, held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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From left to right, Lena Pillers, of Clinton, Jersey Siech, 4, of Waterloo, Melissa Siech, of Clinton and Payton Pillers-Siech, 9 months, of Clinton, speak with cousin Taylor Morris during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser in honor of Morris, held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris, left, is handed the microphone by long time girlfriend Danielle Kelly, right, while the couple takes a moment to thank guests and volunteers for all of their hard work in organizing The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser in honor of Morris, held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Danielle Kelly, left, speaks with guest speaker Dan Gable, right, during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser in honor of Kelly's long time partner Taylor Morris, not pictured, at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris, left, and his girlfriend Danielle Kelly, center, pose for a photo taken by Morris' sister Claire Morris, right, during The Unstoppable Event fund raiser at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly.

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Guest speaker Dan Gable speaks during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser in honor of Taylor Morris, held at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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A volunteer makes a note on a box for injured sailor Taylor Morris during the Iowa's Bravest gift box packing event at the Iowa Army National Guard Air Ambulance facility Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Sailor Taylor Morris

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Taylor Morris and friends "drifting". (2012 Tim Dodd Photography)

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Cedar Falls firefighters Captain John Schilling, right, and Paul Schaefer, left, attach a flag to a fire truck for Taylor Morris' arrival at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, center, walks from the airplane fith family and friends at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Danielle Kelly, left, and her boyfriend Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, center, are interviewed by the Courier's Pat Kinney, right, at Morris' home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Riley Morris, left, photographs his brother Taylor Morris, center, with Mathew Lumetta, of Cedar Falls, right, during The Unstoppable Event, a fund raiser for Taylor Morris, at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Motorcyclists cruise down Lincoln Street as part of the homecoming welcome for Taylor Morris, a sailor who was injured in Afghanistan, in Cedar Falls, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris, left, and his father Dan Morris, center, speak with guest speaker Dan Gable, right, during the Unstoppable Event fund raiser at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May.(DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Danielle Kelly, left, and her boyfriend Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, poses for a photo shoot at his home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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A large canvas rests on an easel in the lobby that guests are encouraged to sign with silver Sharpies, while Taylor Morris, second from right, and Danielle Kelly, right, greet guests at The Unstoppable Event fund raiser for Morris at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Cedar Falls firefighters attached a flag to a fire truck for Taylor Morris' arrival at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Bob Buckridge, president of the Cedar Falls Amvets, signs a Patriot Guard Riders flag for Taylor Morris while waiting for Morris' arrival to the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris, left, and his girlfriend Danielle Kelly, center, thank guests and volunteers for all of their hard work in organizing the fund raising, The Unstoppable Event at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris, left, and his girlfriend Danielle Kelly, center, thank guests and volunteers for all of their hard work in organizing the fund raising, Unstoppable Event at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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People line up along Lincoln Street at the corner of Greeley with signs and flags to welcome home Taylor Morris, a sailor who was injured in Afghanistan, in Cedar Falls, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, center, arrives with girlfriend Danielle Kelly, right, as they look out to upon hundreds of community members and Patriot Guard Riders to welcome Taylor home at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Motorcyclists cruise down Lincoln Street as part of the homecoming welcome for Taylor Morris, a sailor who was injured in Afghanistan, in Cedar Falls, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer)

TIFFANY RUSHING

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris gets in the car at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris poses for a photo shoot at his home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Danielle Kelly, left, and her boyfriend Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, are interviewed by the Courier at Morris' home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Ava Davis, 6, left, and Amelia Davis, 8, right, hold up signs welcoming home Taylor Morris, a sailor who was injured in Afghanistan, as Lori Adams, top right, all of Cedar Falls, looks on with two flags in hand in Cedar Falls, Iowa Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, walks of the plane as his dad Dan Morris, left, follows behind at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Danielle Kelly, left, and her boyfriend Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, poses for a photo shoot at his home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Taylor Morris and friends "drifting". (2012 Tim Dodd Photography)

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Nancy Swartzel, front right, snaps a photo of, from left to right, her son Dan Swartzel with Patrick McKenna, Cliff Sabo, all of Virginia Beach, Taylor Morris, a Cedar Falls native, and Nick Matics, of Virginia Beach, during the Unstoppable Event at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. The men are five of the nine that were on Morris' Navy EOD team serving in Afghanistan for two and a half years. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Kayla Nelson, left, Audrey Kittrell, center, and Janice Albrecht, right, all of Cedar Falls, check out the items up for silent auction during The Unstoppable Event fund raiser for Taylor Morris at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012. Morris lost all four limbs in an IED blast while stationed in Afghanistan, as a Navy EOD technician, in May. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

DAWN J. SAGERT

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Patriot Guard Riders signed a flag for Taylor Morris while waiting for Morris' arrival to the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris airplane arrives at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate Taylor Morris uses an adaptive fork to eat fruit at his home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Ben Hagarty installs GoPro cameras on the car before Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris arrives at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris is interviewed by the Courier at Morris' home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly arrive at the Waterloo Regional Airport in August 2012.

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, rides in a convertible around town for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Patriot Guard Riders line up in anticipation of Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris arriving at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Neal Price, right, gives a high five to long time friend Taylor Morris, left, after a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Traffic was backed up on the First street bridge as Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris arrives at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris poses for a photo shoot at his home Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, right, and family drives around town for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Students of Cedar Falls high School hold up a sign as Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris returns for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris is welcomed home by the community members outside Holmes Junior High School Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, center, is helped into the car by girlfriend Danielle Kelly, left, as he arrives at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Students at Holmes Junior High School cheer for Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris during a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Students, teachers and staff members lined West Eighth Street on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls to welcome home Taylor Morris. The young sailor was injured while in Afghanistan. (DENNIS MAGEE / Courier)

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Danielle Kelly, left, hugs Ben Hagarty, right, following the welcome home celebration for Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Students at Lincoln Elementary get in the spirit of the moment Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, along West Eighth Street in Cedar Falls to welcome home Taylor Morris. The young sailor was injured while in Afghanistan. (DENNIS MAGEE / Courier)

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Students at Holmes Junior High School cheer for Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris during a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Band members at the Cedar Falls high school preform as Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris returns for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris, center, arrives with his father Dan Morris, left, and girlfriend Danielle Kelly, right, as they look out to upon hundreds of community members and Patriot Guard Riders to welcome Taylor home at the Waterloo Regional Airport for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Motorcycle riders led the procession Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, along West Eighth Street in Cedar Falls while to welcome home Taylor Morris. The young sailor was injured while in Afghanistan. (DENNIS MAGEE / Courier)

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Community members come out to support Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris as he arrives for a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Members of Matt Switzer's sixth-grade class at Lincoln Elementary took a few photos Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, along West Eighth Street in Cedar Falls. The students were part of a welcome home event for Taylor Morris. The young sailor was injured while in Afghanistan. (DENNIS MAGEE / Courier)

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Danny Rodgriguez sings the National Anthem at the benefit concert for Taylor Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris and Daniell Kelly take the stage with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band during a benefit concert for Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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The crowd is set for the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris signs an autograph before his benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Hundreds participate in the Glow Stick 5K in Cedar Falls in 2012.

COURIER FILE PHOTO

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The Lt. Dan Band entertains the crowd at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Students at Holmes Junior High School cheer for Cedar Falls graduate and Navy bomb disposal expert Taylor Morris during a welcome home celebration Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Morris lost portions of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand while on patrol with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers in early May 2012. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band welcomes the crowd to come closer to the stage for the Taylor Morris for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band welcomes the crowd to come closer to the stage for the Taylor Morris for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly thank the crowd for all the support they have received at the Taylor Morris Glow Stick 5K event last year.

COURIER FILE PHOTO

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Taylor Morris and Daniell Kelly thank the crowd for attending the benefit concert for Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Mark Steffes of Cedar Falls sets up his chair before the concert for disabled Cedar Falls sailor Taylor Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Cedar Falls sailor Taylor Morris. (Courtesy photo)

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Taylor Morris. (Courtesy Photo)

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Becky Hoeppner, of Cedar Falls, holds a light along with most of the crowd at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Tony's employee Erica Hollingsworth, left, assists Richard Gienau, right, as he drops off a donation at Tony's during a fundraiser for Taylor Morris in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Gienau gave the donation in honor of his son, Army 2nd Lt. R. Brian Gienau, who was killed in Iraq when an impovised explosive device hit his military vehicle in 2005. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

DAWN J. SAGERT

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Taylor Morris (Courtesy Photo)

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are pictured as Taylor stands on two prosthetic legs for the first time at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris is welcomed with a standing ovation for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band play in the crowd at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Cade Meyer, a fourth-grader, gets in the spirit of the moment Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, along West Eighth Street in Cedar Falls to welcome home Taylor Morris. The young sailor was injured while in Afghanistan. (DENNIS MAGEE / Courier)

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Tony's employee Trevor McCormack, left, puts an envelope into the donation bucket while Mercedees Morgan, center, waits to greet customers, and Erica Hollingsworth, right, answers the phone during a fundraiser event for Taylor Morris, organized by Morris' friend McCormack. In May, Morris stepped on an IED near the Kandahar province while serving in the Navy in Afghanistan. Morris would survive a four limb amputation, and continues to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

DAWN J. SAGERT

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Taylor Morris (Courtesy Photo)

Courtesy Photo

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Taylor Morris with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.(COURTESY PHOTO)

COURTESY PHOTO

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Taylor Morris. (courtesy photo)

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Danielle Kelly and Taylor Morris. (COURTESY PHOTO)

COURTESY PHOTO

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Sherri Edge, left, with Advanced Arm Dynamics shows what a custom cosmetic glove made of silicone looks like to Alvira Morris, right, grandmother of sailor Taylor Morris at Advanced Arm Dynamics Wednesday, June 13, 2012, in Waterloo, Iowa. Taylor a 2007 graduate of Cedar Falls High School, was injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan and lost part of both legs, his left arm at the elbow and his right hand. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW PUTNEY

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Mike Thuesen, left, of Cedar Falls, and Claire Morris, right, sit behind the merchandise table during a fundraiser event for Taylor Morris, Claire's brother,on Sunday, June 10, 2012. In May, Morris stepped on an IED near the Kandahar province while serving in the Navy in Afghanistan. Morris would survive a four limb amputation, and continues to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.(DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

DAWN J. SAGERT

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris is welcomed with a standing ovation for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Sue Mitchell, left, and sister Julie King, right, dance at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Claire Morris, left, of Cedar Falls, talks with Cody Vry, right, of Parkersburg, on the patio at Tony's La Pizzeria during a fundraiser event for Taylor Morris, Claire's brother,on Sunday, June 10, 2012. In May, Taylor Morris stepped on an IED near the Kandahar province while serving in the Navy in Afghanistan. Morris would survive a four limb amputation, and continues to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C.(DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

DAWN J. SAGERT

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Taylor Morris (Courtesy Photo)

Courtesy Photo

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A donation bucket for Taylor Morris sets on a counter by the front door, while Tony's employee Erica Hollingsworth, right, looks at her waiting list for seating customers during a fundraiser event for Taylor Morris, organized by Morris' friend, and Tony's employee Trevor McCormack. In May, Morris stepped on an IED near the Kandahar province while serving in the Navy in Afghanistan. Morris would survive a four limb amputation, and continues to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. (DAWN J. SAGERT / Courier Staff Photographer)

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Taylor Morris (Courtesy Photo)

Courtesy Photo

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Director of operations for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation John Hodge, left, talks with Sid Morris and wife Alvira about when the tickets will go on sale for the benefit concert for Taylor Morris after a press conference announcing the concert Monday, April 29, 2013, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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Taylor Morris. (COURTESY PHOTO)

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Taylor Morris (Courtesy Photo)

Courtesy Photo

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are interviewed Monday, May 12, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good now after Taylor was officially discharged from Walter Reed two years after his injuries in Afghanistan

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are interviewed Monday, May 12, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good now after Taylor was officially discharged from Walter Reed two years after his injuries in Afghanistan

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Danielle Kelly is interviewed Monday, May 12, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good now after Taylor was officially discharged from Walter Reed two years after his injuries in Afghanistan

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are interviewed Monday, May 12, 2014, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good now after Taylor was officially discharged from Walter Reed two years after his injuries in Afghanistan

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly are back in town for good. His parents are building an addition to their home, partly to give them temporary living space while the couple looks for land for their new house.

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris is welcomed with a standing ovation for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan.

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

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Jay Stoddard of Cedar Falls is shown with posters from performances by actor Gary Sinise's "Lt. Dan Band." Stoddard has been working with the band ever since helping with its Aug. 3 benefit performance in Cedar Falls for disabled sailor Taylor Morris.

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

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Taylor Morris

By MATTHEW PUTNEY,
matthew.putney@wcfcourier.com

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The crowd is set for the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Taylor Morris and Daniell Kelly thank the crowd for attending the benefit concert for Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band welcomes the crowd to come closer to the stage for the Taylor Morris for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris is welcomed with a standing ovation for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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The Lt. Dan Band entertains the crowd at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band welcomes the crowd to come closer to the stage for the Taylor Morris for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Taylor Morris and Danielle Kelly take the stage with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band during a benefit concert for Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls on Aug. 3, 2013.

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Becky Hoeppner, of Cedar Falls, holds a light along with most of the crowd at the Taylor Morris benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Mark Steffes of Cedar Falls sets up his chair before the concert for disabled Cedar Falls sailor Taylor Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris signs an autograph before his benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

MATTHEW_PUTNEY

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Cedar Falls disabled sailor Taylor Morris is welcomed with a standing ovation for the benefit concert at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Taylor Morris with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.(COURTESY PHOTO)

COURTESY PHOTO

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Danny Rodgriguez sings the National Anthem at the benefit concert for Taylor Morris at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday Aug. 3, 2013. The concert was part of the Building for America's Bravest project and helped raise funds for an iPad-controlled "smart home" for Morris, a quadruple amputee wounded in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. (MATTHEW PUTNEY/Courier Photo Editor)

Matthew Putney

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Taylor Morris. (COURTESY PHOTO)

COURTESY PHOTO

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Nationally known flag mural artist Scott Lobaido will be painting a three-dimensional American flag on the roof of the Cedar Falls AMVETS post in advance of the Aug. 3 benefit concert at Gateway Park by actor Gary Sinise�s �Lt. Dan Band� on behalf of disabled Cedar Falls sailor Taylor Morris.

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